Abstracts Category : Other

Developmentof a solid mass flow sensor for use in pneumatic solid conveyingsystems

by JacobusChristiaan Smit

This dissertation describes research and experimentalwork done to improve the accuracy and applicability of capacitivesensors which are used to evaluate the mass flow rate of solidmaterial within pneumatic conveying environments in power plantengineering applications. The research is focused on creating ameasurement methodology on which solid mass flow rate can beevaluated without being dependent on variable flow regimes. Theproposed research investigates the process of identifying fourdifferent types of flow regimes using a decision tree that utilisessupport vector machines and cut off values. During the study aninvestigation was also made into what electrode setup would provideproficient information regarding the flow distribution andorientation. Compensation according to the identified regime isthen proposed by means of using a nonlinear fraction curvesdetermined through calibration experiments.Advisors/Committee Members: Heyns, P.S. (Philippus Stephanus) (advisor).